192: Colic, Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum Depression

Today’s show covers a topic of great concern and high stress for many parents. Many of us don’t understand colic and how to soothe a colicky baby. Today’s guest shares how her experience raising her colicky newborn daughter affected her life and her mental health. Jacqueline DelVecchio is a licensed mental health counselor in Salem, MA. She works in a private practice setting and specializes in perinatal mental health, certified through Postpartum Support International. She’s a wife, mother of two, and doggy-mom to a chocolate lab.  Show Highlights: In 2016, Jacqueline’s first child was born after a great pregnancy and birth experience; the all-day crying began immediately and lasted about seven months Even though her daughter was a good eater, with every bottle came the intense crying that lasted for hours The only soothing for her baby came from bouncing on a yoga ball, running the vacuum, and Justin Timberlake’s song, “Can’t Stop the Feeling” How Jacqueline’s daughter would cry for two hours after every feeding but would sleep through the night quite well Why Jacqueline felt helpless, isolated, and guilty Why Jacqueline decided to see a therapist How Jacqueline dealt with the frustration of a constantly crying baby The expectations for parenthood---and the grief that comes from realizing “this is not what I expected” The need for education, resources, and help for parents who are dealing with colic How other parents and even doctors don’t understand what dealing with a colicky baby is like How therapy helped Jacqueline normalize her experiences, thoughts, and feelings The biggest lesson learned for Jacqueline was that all moms are on the same level How Jacqueline was led to specialize in perinatal mental health What Jacqueline has learned about the effects of colic on parents Jacqueline’s tips for parents who are dealing with colic now: Prioritize self-care Ask and accept help from others Educate yourself and advocate for yourself The nervousness and anxiety that came with a second child, wondering if colic would be a problem again Hopeful messages from Jacqueline: “You’re doing a wonderful job even if your baby doesn’t stop crying. That’s not what determines your value as a parent. There is help and support if you’re dealing with colic.” Resources: Connect with Jacqueline: Jacqueline DelVecchio Instagram: @butletsberealistic